November 18th 2024.
Sean Payton had a clear strategy in mind for the game against the Falcons - stop running back Bijan Robinson. The Broncos were determined to execute this plan and they succeeded in doing so by containing Robinson with their strong defensive line. This was a crucial factor in their dominant win over the Falcons, keeping their hopes alive in the playoff race.
The week before, Robinson had managed to rack up 116 yards against the Saints, but the Broncos were able to make him almost non-existent on Sunday. He only had 12 carries for 35 yards, which was a significant contribution to the Broncos' stellar defensive performance. As Payton pointed out, the Falcons are a tough team to beat if they don't have an answer for Robinson.
Robinson had been on a streak of five games with 100 scrimmage yards, which was the longest for a Falcon since Julio Jones in 2018, according to NFL's Next Gen Stats. He started off strong with 32 total yards in the first quarter, but the Broncos were able to shut him down for the rest of the game. He only managed 31 total yards in the final three quarters, with his production taking a nosedive. This was a testament to the Broncos' strong defense.
In the second half, Robinson only had two carries for 5 yards, as the Broncos were able to shut down any attempts by the Falcons to get him going. The team had to settle down and focus on stopping Robinson's wide-zone scheme, which they did successfully. This was a tough task, but the Broncos handled it well, as inside linebacker Justin Strnad explained.
Payton also acknowledged the toughness and grit of this year's Broncos team, which has been evident in their recent performances. After suffering a heavy defeat to the Ravens in Week 9, the team bounced back and has since allowed less than 60 rushing yards in the last two games. They were able to hold the Falcons to just 50 yards on 21 carries, the lowest in a game this season.
The Broncos' run defense was a standout in their overall strong performance against the Falcons, who had the fifth-best offense in the league. They recorded four sacks and cornerback Pat Surtain II did not allow a single reception on two targets. Inside linebacker Cody Barton also made a key interception in the third quarter. The team's strong defense was a crucial factor in their big win.
Defensive end John Franklin-Myers credited the team's success to their effective strategy of knocking Robinson back and the linebackers getting downhill. Cornerbacks also stepped up when needed, showcasing the team's depth and strength on defense. Safety P.J. Locke, however, is not satisfied with just being a top 10 defense and believes the Broncos have the potential to be the best. He sees no ceiling for the team and is determined to continue building on their performances to make a push for the playoffs.
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